my riddle to solve (tom riddle)

six

Dear Father,
I am writing to you wanting to apologize for my irrational behavior that I have been displaying lately. I was confused and shocked by the proposal of such a sudden change to my life. I have come to the realization that I should listen to you and Mother, as you two know what is best for me. I hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me, as I want our family to be whole and strong again.

Love from,
Ophelia

I read over my writing a few times before deciding that it seemed convincing enough. I tucked it into my Potions book as a reminder to mail it tomorrow. I was sitting in front of the fireplace, watching Joslyn braid Adelaide's hair. She was perfectly fine now; her foot completely healed. Raymond had been assigned a huge essay for Arithmancy, and was scribbling away next to me. Even though it was the first day back, all of us 6th-years had been assigned lots of homework.

"It's like they're trying to kill us all. At this rate, I won't even have time for Quidditch," complained Adelaide.

"What are you talking about? You don't even play Quidditch?" Raymond snapped at her.

"Just because I've never tried out for your team before doesn't mean I can't play. I've spent most of this summer on a broomstick, and I know that you need two new Chasers" she explained as Joslyn continued to weave strands of her hair together. Raymond scoffed without looking up from his work.

"I'm not putting you on the team. You're not going to ruin the one thing that I care about."

"You have to at least let her try out Raymond. And I've seen her fly before, she's quite good," added Joslyn. Raymond let out a sigh and glared at the two girls.

"Fine. Tryouts are this Saturday. Don't expect me to go easy on you," he mumbled. "Opehlia, did you ever get the chance to talk with Riddle?" A few of the second years who were at a nearby table lowered their voices to a whisper, clearly wanting to eavesdrop on what I had to say.

"You know, I still don't think the idea of him being the one who opened the Chamber too far-fetched," commented Joslyn. I slumped back into the couch and rested my head against Raymond's shoulder. He smiled and teasingly patted my head a few times.

It was rare that anyone spoke of this particular event. The tale of the Chamber of Secrets was an old one, and many people had thought that it was only a tale until last year. A series of attacks against Muggle-born students had been carried out by a mysterious creature that was later revealed to be an Acromantula. One girl ended up dead, one that I had not known personally, but she did come from Ravenclaw house. Officially, we had been told that a third-year Gryffindor named Rubeus Hagrid had released the monster. Most of us didn't believe this, seeing as Hagrid wasn't a Slytherin, and it made no sense for him to be the Heir.

"I've known Riddle my entire life, not closely, but still. He isn't smart enough to open the Chamber of Secrets," said Raymond.

"What do you mean, 'he's not smart enough?' He's top of our year, he outscored everyone in most exams, even you Raymond," snarled Adelaide.

"My point exactly. He's too focused on school-work to have the time to be plotting sinister crimes against other students. All the teachers adore him, even Headmaster Dippet. I don't know why though, I think he's nothing more than an arrogant buffoon," Raymond replied.

"Well, I agree with you on that one Ray. I had Prefect duties with him a few times last year, and he seemed to think he was above even speaking to me," Joslyn scoffed. Joslyn was Muggle-born, which would most likely explain Riddle's coldness to her.

"Don't worry, he hates me as well. He would always try to dock points from me when I snuck into his common room," added Adelaide. I suddenly remembered Riddle's comments about Adelaide from earlier. According to him, he knew my friend much better than I did. But I knew that he was wrong about her, so I didn't think I needed to mention this to Adelaide.